Château Lynch-Bages 2024

Floral and herbal on the nose with dark bramble fruit. Very Cabernet. Milk chocolate and vanilla too. Charming and relaxed with lovely tannin finesse. There’s ripeness and richness; this is silky with some fleshiness that adds a layer of texture but overall feels gentle and calm. Some bite at the end, wet stone and liquorice, but overall this feels very complete. I like this expression, really not trying too hard. Sophisticated. Balanced. Nothing sticks out, and although there’s tension and a sense of high, lean acidity, the tannins do well to balance it out. This will be very enjoyable. Accomplished winemaking. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Ageing 75% new oak for 18 months in French oak barrels. pH 3.67.

Flowers, spicy notes, herbs, menthol, peppery currants, and espresso on the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh, and zesty, with a nice burst of chewy currants, a touch of orange rind, and a hint of peppery mint that arrives at the end of the finish, adding a refreshing lift to the backend. Classic in style (classic in a good way), this is quite successful for the vintage. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV. 3.67 pH. The harvest took place from September 13 to October 4. Yields were only 30 hectoliters per hectare. The Grand Vin was made from 60% of the crop. Picking took place from September 25 to October 8. Drink from 2029–2055. 92–94 pts

Like a dandy in a garnet velvet smoking jacket, the nose unfolds a magnificent floral perfume and sweet, seductive fruit, with notes of raspberry jam and red plum. Nuances of incense, sandalwood, and sweet spices mingle in. The palate is sumptuous and caressing, with a velvety texture reminiscent of brocade, purple drapes, and golden threads. The fruit is glorious and the finish leaves you wanting more. A very fine wine, more approachable in its youth than the recent vintages of Lynch-Bages.